Cold Feet For Lorraine

THANK God. It’s not just good; the return of Cold Feet after 13 years is better than the original.

I can’t think of a comeback that’s been as warm, reassuring or funny. And there’s an added complexity to the characters which brings real richness to the drama.

I say ‘thank God’ because when I interviewed the cast for Lorraine, the anxiety was palpable.

The Cold Feet cast were a joy. Thomson, a revelation.

Far from being all jazz hands and ego (as seldom I find actors actually are when interviewed as ‘themselves’) they were honest about their insecurities in returning after so long.

‘Will people be interested?’, ‘I hope it’s as good,’it’s nerve-wracking’ were the various quips from cast members.

They were a joy and it struck me that part of the genius in Cold Feet’s original casting is that a large part of the person transfers to the character. So, Jimmy Nesbitt oozes Adam’s suaveness and dry wit, Robert Bathurst has David ‘s bumbling poshness, Fay Ripley mirrors Jenny’s funny bones – and so on.

This is not to take away from the acting. It’s a gift to be able to bring yourself to the screen. You believe in the characters – you remember them long after the credits roll.

If I had to chose a favourite, it might have to be John Thomson. Another story entirely, but I’ve now met him in glamorous Cannes at the Film Festival, over breakfast in Dundee and then on the Cold Feet photo shoot in Shoreditch for Lorraine.

He’s the guy you could sit with in the pub – who’d have you belly laughing and also listen to your woes, face etched with concern. There’s a mix of confidence and vulnerability which is now – with the introduction of his depression storyline – grabbing hearts with a conviction for which he should be applauded.

Hurray – who’d have thought we’d be waiting for Monday to come all week long.